Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources Agronomy
Description
A degree in Agronomy aims to educate and develop professionals prepared to manage complex plant production, landscape, and soil management systems. Graduates will leverage an appreciation of nature; scientific knowledge and data; and teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills to become leaders and change makers in agronomic systems in Nebraska and beyond.
The Agronomy major core curriculum provides the foundational and advanced knowledge and skills necessary for success in any career pathway in agronomy, including courses in plant and soil science, pest biology and management, systems thinking, technical communication, and career development. Students will complement their program of study with two additional areas of professional specialization provided through emphases and/or minors. There are no additional admission requirements beyond the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s core course and performance requirements. Students are assigned a faculty advisor after New Student Enrollment.
College Requirements
College Admission
Requirements for admission into the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) are consistent with general University admission requirements (one unit equals one high school year): 4 units of English, 4 units of mathematics, 3 units of natural sciences, 3 units of social sciences, and 2 units of world language. Students must also meet performance requirements: a 3.0 cumulative high school grade point average OR an ACT composite of 20 or higher, writing portion not required OR a score of 1040 or higher on the SAT Critical Reading and Math sections OR rank in the top one-half of graduating class; transfer students must have a 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) cumulative grade point average and 2.0 on the most recent term of attendance.
Admission Deficiencies/Removal of Deficiencies
Students who are admitted to CASNR with core course deficiencies must remove these deficiencies within the first 30 credit hours at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, or within the first calendar year at Nebraska, whichever takes longer. College-level coursework taken to remove deficiencies may be used to meet degree requirements in CASNR.
Deficiencies in the required entrance subjects can be removed by the completion of specified courses in the University or by correspondence.
The Office of Admissions, Alexander Building (south entrance), City Campus, provides information to new students on how deficiencies can be removed.
College Degree Requirements
Curriculum Requirements
The curriculum requirements of the College consist of three areas: ACE (Achievement-Centered Education), College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Core, and Degree Program requirements and electives. All three areas of the College Curriculum Requirements are incorporated within the description of the Major/Degree Program sections of the catalog. The individual major/degree program listings of classes ensure that a student will meet the minimum curriculum requirements of the College.
World Languages/Language Requirement
Two units of a world language are required. This requirement is usually met with two years of high school language.
Experiential Learning
All undergraduates in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources must take an Experiential Learning (EL) designated course. This may include 0-credit courses designed to document co-curricular activities recognized as Experiential Learning.
Minimum Hours Required for Graduation
The College grants the bachelors degree in programs associated with agricultural sciences, natural resources, and related programs. Students working toward a degree must earn at least 120 semester hours of credit. A minimum cumulative grade point average of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) must be maintained throughout the course of studies and is required for graduation. Some degree programs have a higher cumulative grade point average required for graduation. Please check the degree program on its graduation cumulative grade point average.
Grade Rules
Removal of C-, D, and F Grades
Only the most recent letter grade received in a given course will be used in computing a student’s cumulative grade point average if the student has completed the course more than once and previously received a grade or grades below C in that course.
The previous grade (or grades) will not be used in the computation of the cumulative grade point average, but it will remain a part of the academic record and will appear on any transcript.
A student can remove from their cumulative average a course grade of C-, D+, D, D-, or F if the student repeats the same course at the University of Nebraska and receives a grade other than P (pass), I (incomplete), N (no pass), W (withdrew), or NR (no report). If a course is no longer being offered, it is not eligible for the revised grade point average computation process.
For complete procedures and regulations, see the Office of the University Registrar website at http://www.unl.edu/regrec/course-repeats.
Pass/No Pass
Students in CASNR may take any course offered on a Pass/No Pass basis within the 24-hour limitation established by the Faculty Senate. However, a department may specify that the Pass/No Pass status of its courses be limited to non-majors or may choose to offer some courses for letter grades only.
GPA Requirements
A minimum cumulative grade point average of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) must be maintained throughout the course of studies and is required for graduation. Some degree programs have a higher cumulative grade point average required for graduation. Please check the degree program on its graduation cumulative grade point average.
Transfer Credit Rules
To be considered for admission a transfer student, Nebraska resident or nonresident, must have an accumulated average of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) and a minimum C average in the last semester of attendance at another college. Transfer students who have completed less than 12 credit hours of college study must submit either ACT or SAT scores.
Ordinarily, credits earned at an accredited college are accepted by the University. The College, however, will evaluate all hours submitted on an application for transfer and reserves the right to accept or reject any of them. Sixty (60) is the maximum number of hours the University will accept on transfer from a two-year college. Ninety (90) is the maximum number of hours the University will accept from a four-year college. Transfer credit in the degree program must be approved by the degree program advisor on a Request for Substitution Form to meet specific course requirements, group requirements, or course level requirements in the major. At least 9 hours in the major field, including the capstone course, must be completed at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln regardless of the number of hours transferred.
The College will accept no more than 10 semester hours of C-, D+, D, and D- grades from other schools. The C-, D+, D, and D- grades can only be applied to free electives. This policy does not apply to the transfer of grades from UNO or UNK to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Joint Academic Transfer Programs
The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources has agreements with many institutions to support joint academic programs. The transfer programs include dual degree programs and cooperative degree programs. Dual degree programs offer students the opportunity to receive a degree from a participating institution and also to complete the requirements for a bachelor of science degree in CASNR. Cooperative programs result in a single degree from either the University of Nebraska–Lincoln or the cooperating institution.
Dual Degree Programs
A to B Programs
The A to B Program, a joint academic program offered by the CASNR and participating community colleges, allows students to complete the first two years of a degree program at the participating community college and continue their education and study in a degree program leading toward a bachelor of science degree.
The A to B Program provides a basic knowledge plus specialized coursework. Students transfer into CASNR with junior standing.
Depending on the community college, students enrolled in the A to B Program may complete the requirements for an associate of science at the community college, transfer to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and work toward a bachelor of science degree.
Participating community colleges include:
- Central Community College
- Metropolitan Community College
- Mid-Plains Community College
- Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture
- Nebraska Indian Community College
- Northeast Community College
- Southeast Community College
- Western Nebraska Community College
3+2 Programs
Two specialized degree programs in animal science and veterinary science are offered jointly with an accredited college or school of veterinary medicine. These two programs permit CASNR animal science or veterinary science students to receive a bachelor of science degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a degree in animal science or veterinary science after successfully completing two years of the professional curriculum in veterinary medicine at an accredited veterinary school. Students who successfully complete the 3+2 Program, must provide transcripts and complete the Application for Degree form via MyRED. Students without MyRED access may apply for graduation in person at Husker Hub in the Canfield Administration Building, or by mail. Students should discuss these degree programs with their academic advisor.
Cooperative Degree Programs
Academic credit from the University and a cooperating institution are applied towards a four-year degree from either the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (University degree-granting program) or the cooperating institution (non-University degree-granting program). All have approved programs of study.
UNL Degree-Granting Programs
A University of Nebraska–Lincoln degree-granting program is designed to provide students the opportunity to complete a two-year program of study at one of the four-year institutions listed below, transfer to CASNR, and complete the requirements for a bachelor of science degree.
Chadron State College. Chadron State College offers a 2+2 program leading to a grassland ecology and management degree program and a transfer program leading to a bachelor of science in agricultural education in the teaching option.
Wayne State College. Wayne State College offers a 3+1 program leading to a bachelor of science in plant biology in the ecology and management option and a 3+1 program leading to a bachelor of science in Applied Science.
University of Nebraska at Kearney. Transfer programs are available for students pursuing degree programs leading to a bachelor of science degree.
University of Nebraska at Omaha. Transfer programs are available for students pursuing degree programs leading to a bachelor of science degree.
Non University of Nebraska–Lincoln Degree-Granting Programs
CASNR cooperates with other institutions to provide coursework that is applied towards a degree at the cooperating institution. Pre-professional programs offered by CASNR allow students to complete the first two or three years of a degree program at the University prior to transferring and completing a degree at the cooperating institution.
Chadron State College–Range Science. The 3+1 Program in range science allows Chadron State College students to pursue a range science degree through Chadron State College. Students complete three years of coursework at Chadron State College and one year of specialized range science coursework (32 credit hours) at CASNR.
Dordt College (Iowa)–Agricultural Education: Teaching Option. This program allows students to pursue an Agricultural Education Teaching Option degree leading toward a bachelor of science in agricultural education. Students at Dordt College will complete 90 credit hours in the Agricultural Education: Teaching Option Transfer Program.
Residency
Students must complete at least 30 of the total hours for their degree using University of Nebraska–Lincoln credits. At least 18 of the 30 credit hours must be in courses offered through CASNR1 (>299) including the appropriate ACE 10 degree requirement or an approved ACE 10 substitution offered through another Nebraska college and excluding independent study regardless of the number of hours transferred. Credit earned during education abroad may be used toward the residency requirement if students register through the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and participate in prior-approved education abroad programs. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln open enrollment and summer independent study courses count toward residence.
- 1
Includes courses taught by CASNR faculty through interdisciplinary prefixes (e.g., LIFE, MBIO, ENVR, SCIL, EAEP, HRTM, ENSC) and CASNR crosslisted courses taught by non-CASNR faculty.
Online and Distance Education
There are many opportunities to earn college credit online through the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Some of these credits may be applicable not only as elective credits but also toward the fulfillment of the College’s education requirements. Credits earned online may count toward residency. However, certain offerings may not be counted toward scholarship requirements or academic recognition criteria.
For further information, contact:
Office of Online and Distance Education
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
305 Brace Labs
Lincoln, NE 68588-0109
402-472-4681
http://online.unl.edu/
Independent Study Rules
Students wishing to take part in independent studies must obtain permission; complete and sign a contract form; and furnish copies of the contract to the instructor, advisor, departmental office, and the Dean’s Office. The contract should be completed before registration. Forms are available in 103 Agricultural Hall or online at the CASNR website.
Independent study projects include research, literature review or extension of coursework under the supervision and evaluation of a departmental faculty member.
Students may only count 12 hours of independent study toward their degrees and no more than 6 hours can be counted during their last 36 hours earned, excluding senior thesis, internships, and courses taught under an independent study number.
Other College Degree Requirements
Capstone Course Requirement
A capstone course is required for each CASNR degree program. A capstone course is defined as a course in which students are required to integrate diverse bodies of knowledge to solve a problem or formulate a policy of societal importance.
ACE Requirements
All students must fulfill the Achievement Centered Education (ACE) requirements. Information about the ACE program may be viewed at ace.unl.edu.
The minimum requirements of CASNR reflect the common core of courses that apply to students pursuing degrees in the college. Students should work with an advisor to satisfy ACE outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 10 with the college requirements.
Catalog Rule
Students must fulfill the requirements stated in the catalog for the academic year in which they are first admitted to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln or when they were first admitted to a Joint Academic Transfer Program. Students transferring from a community college, but without admission to a Joint Academic Transfer Program, may be eligible to fulfill the requirements as stated in the catalog for an academic year in which they were enrolled at the community college prior to attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This decision should be made in consultation with academic advisors, provided the student a) was enrolled in a community college during the catalog year they are utilizing, b) maintained continuous enrollment at the previous institution for 1 academic year or more, and c) continued enrollment at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln within 1 calendar year from their last term at the previous institution. In consultation with advisors, a student may choose to follow a subsequent catalog for any academic year in which they are admitted to and enrolled as a degree-seeking student at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Students must complete all degree requirements from a single catalog year. The catalog which a student follows for degree requirements may not be more than 10 years old at the time of graduation.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of agronomy will be able to:
- Recognize, describe, and assess the value of nature.
- Manage complex plant and soil systems which provide services for people and the planet.
- Apply science and technology knowledge to problem solving.
- Use diverse methods to generate, visualize, and communicate data that reveals truths and
guides decision making. - Demonstrate effective communication to engage a target audience based on available
information. - Lead and contribute to teams to amplify success in problem solving
Major Requirements
The following basic courses are required for a bachelor of science degree in agronomy.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| College Integrative Course and ACE 8 | ||
| SCIL 101 | Science and Decision-Making for a Complex World | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 3 | |
| Plant and Landscape Systems Integrative Course | ||
| PLAS 100 | Plants, Landscapes, & the Environment | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 3 | |
| Communications | ||
| Written Communication (ACE 1) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Writing and Inquiry | ||
| Writing for Change | ||
| Writing and Communities | ||
| Basic Business Communication | ||
| Technical Communication I | ||
| Technical Communication II | ||
| Oral Communication (ACE 2) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Interpersonal Skills for Leadership | ||
| Communication in the 21st Century | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Communicating in Small Groups | ||
| Visual Communication | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Business and Professional Communication | ||
| Technical Communication II | ||
| Sales Communication | ||
| Visual Communication with Animation | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 6 | |
| Mathematics | ||
| Select 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| Trigonometry | ||
| College Algebra and Trigonometry | ||
| Applied Calculus | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 5 | |
| Economics, Humanities, and Social Sciences | ||
| Select one of the following: 1 | 3 | |
| Introduction to the Economics of Agriculture | ||
| Economic Essentials and Issues | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 3 | |
| Technical Data Communication | ||
| PLAS 230 | Technical Reporting in Plant and Landscape Systems | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences | ||
| PLAS 131 | Plant Science (ACE 4) | 3 |
| PLAS 153 | Soil Resources | 4 |
| PLAS 278 | Botany | 4 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 11 | |
| Career Experience | ||
| PLAS 95 | Orientation Seminar | 0 |
| PLAS 295 | Internship | 1-3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 1 | |
| Pest Biology | ||
| ENTO 105 | Natural History of Arthropods Associated with Plants | 2 |
| PLPT 210 | Plant Pathogens and Disease | 2 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 4 | |
| ACE Requirement | ||
| Select one course each from ACE outcomes 5, 7, and 9 | 9 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 48 | |
Agronomy Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Agronomy Requirements | ||
| PLAS 132 | Agronomic Plant Science Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 105A & CHEM 105L | Chemistry in Context I and Chemistry in Context I Laboratory | 4 |
| or CHEM 109A & CHEM 109L | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry I Laboratory | |
| or CHEM 113A & CHEM 113L | Fundamental Chemistry I and Fundamental Chemistry I Laboratory | |
| AGST 109 | Physical Principles in Agriculture and Life Sciences | 4 |
| or PHYS 141 | Physics for Life Sciences I | |
| or PHYS 151 | Elements of Physics | |
| PLAS 204 | Resource-Efficient Crop Management | 3 |
| PLAS 215 | Genetics | 4 |
| PLAS 240 | Forage Crop and Pasture Management | 3 |
| PLAS 269 | Principles of Soil Management | 3 |
| PLAS 325 | Introductory Plant Physiology | 4 |
| PLAS 366 / SOIL 366 | Soil Nutrient Relationships | 4 |
| PLAS 395A | Internship in Agronomy | 1-3 |
| PLAS 426 | Invasive Plants | 3 |
| PLAS 431 | Site-specific Crop Management | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 37 | |
| Ecology and Ecosystems | ||
| Select 3 credits from the following: | ||
| PLAS 340 | Range Management and Improvement | 3 |
| PLAS 425 | Cover Crops in Agroecosystems | 3 |
| PLAS 435 | Agroecology | 3 |
| PLAS 440 | Great Plains Ecosystem | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 12 | |
| Supporting Plant or Soil Management Course | ||
| Select 3 credits of any 300+ level PLAS course | ||
| Capstone Course (ACE 10) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Scientific Writing and Communication | ||
| Crop Management Strategies | ||
| Agroecology | ||
| Water Quality Strategy | ||
| Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 3 | |
| Emphases and Minors | ||
| Complete one emphasis or minor for a minimum of 12 credit hours. Completion of a second major will complete this requirement. | 12 | |
| Free Electives | 14 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 26 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 78 | |
Emphasis Areas
Entrepreneurship
The Entrepreneurship emphasis focuses on opportunities to create a unique path that fulfills your career purpose. This emphasis will allow you to explore the mindset and process of becoming an entrepreneur. These skills are critical to compete in the 21st century workplace as well as preparing for business ownership.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneurship Emphasis Requirements | ||
| Entrepreneurship | ||
| Choose 3-6 credits from the following: | 3-6 | |
| Introductory Seminar on Opportunities in Entrepreneurship | ||
| New Venture Experience | ||
| Family Business | ||
| Business Systems in Entrepreneurship | ||
| Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development | ||
| Accounting | ||
| ACCT 200 | Accounting for Business Decisions | 3 |
| or ACCT 201 | Introductory Accounting I | |
| Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain Management | ||
| Choose 3-6 credits from the following: | 3-6 | |
| Personal Finance | ||
| Agribusiness Entrepreneurship in Food Products Marketing | ||
| Sales Communication (ACE 2, can count in CASNR Core and in the emphasis.) | ||
| Human Resource Management | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Flowers
The Flowers emphasis will prepare students for careers in the floral industry including growing and managing floral crops and designing and marketing floral arrangements and ornamental plants.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Flowers Emphasis Requirements | ||
| PLAS 261 | Floral Design I (ACE 7, can count in CASNR Core and in the emphasis.) | 3 |
| Identification, Production, and Design | ||
| Choose 9 credits from the following: | 9 | |
| Herbaceous Landscape Plants | ||
| Floral Design II | ||
| Greenhouse Practices and Management | ||
| Perennial, Pot and Bedding Plant Production Laboratory | ||
| Seasonal Plant Production | ||
| Business Systems in Entrepreneurship | ||
| Specialty Crop Innovations | ||
| Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Natural Resources Conservation
The Natural Resources Conservation emphasis prepares students for careers in soil, water, and landscape conservation. These professionals could be experts in providing technical and conservation planning assistance related to agricultural operations and environmental conservation. Emphasis completion meets the minimum requirements for the current federal occupational requirements in positions in soil and/or natural resources conservation or management. To meet the occupational requirements, the SOIL subject codes on cross-listed courses is required.
*NRES 451 requires SOIL 361. SOIL 361 requires a second semester of chemistry, either CHEM 106A & CHEM 106L or CHEM 110A & CHEM 110L. SOIL 354 requires physics, AGST 109, PHYS 141 or PHYS 151. SOIL 455 requires CHEM 110A & CHEM 110L and CHEM 221A & CHEM 221L or CHEM 251.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Resources Conservation Emphasis Requirements 1,2 | ||
| SOIL 279 | Soil Evaluation | 2 |
| PLAS 245 | Introduction to Grassland Ecology and Management | 3 |
| or PLAS 425 | Cover Crops in Agroecosystems | |
| NRES 281 | Introduction to Water Science | 3 |
| Choose 4 credits from the following: | 4 | |
| North American Wildland Plants | ||
| Great Plains Ecosystem | ||
| Wildland Plants | ||
| Soils, Water, and Environmental Chemistry (*) | ||
| Principles of Soil Management | ||
| Soil Conservation and Watershed Management (*) | ||
| Soils, Environment and Water Quality (*) | ||
| Advanced Soil Evaluation | ||
| Soil Chemistry and Mineralogy (*) | ||
| Soil Microbial Ecology | ||
| Applied Soil Physics | ||
| Great Plains Field Pedology | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
- 1
Emphasis completion meets the minimum requirements for the current federal occupational requirements in positions in soil and/or natural resources conservation or management.
- 2
To meet the occupational requirements, the SOIL subject codes on cross‐listed courses are required.
Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Biotechnology
The Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology emphasis prepares students for careers in the seed industry. These professionals could be experts in generating and evaluating new varieties in the field or conducting DNA-based analysis in the lab.
*BIOS 425 requires BIOS 206. BIOS 206 can be subbed for PLAS 215. BIOS 206 requires LIFE 120 & LIFE 120L and LIFE 121 & LIFE 121L. BIOS 471 requires LIFE 121 & LIFE 121L. Contact your advisor as soon as you know you have an interest in this emphasis.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Biotechnology Emphasis Requirements | ||
| Choose 12 credits from: | 12 | |
| Plant Biotechnology (*) | ||
| Plant Systematics (*) | ||
| Internship in Agronomy | ||
| Internship in Horticulture | ||
| Internship in Landscape Design and Management | ||
| Internship in Turfgrass Science and Management | ||
| Case studies in plant breeding: Breeding for Disease Resistance | ||
| Case Studies in plant breeding: Transgenic strategies for disease resistance | ||
| Crop Genetic Engineering | ||
| Crop and Weed Genetics | ||
| Applied Plant Breeding and Genetics | ||
| Bioinformatics Applications in Agriculture | ||
| Plant Biotechnology Applications | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Plant Science Research
The Plant Science Research emphasis is designed for students interested in pursuing M.S. or Ph.D. degrees in agronomy, horticulture, or turfgrass science. Coursework in physics, math, and chemistry provides broad expertise in the life sciences, and fulfills graduate admission requirements at most research universities – including the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. It is highly recommended that students complete at least one research experience for internship credit.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Science Research Emphasis Requirements | ||
| MATH 104 or MATH 106 from Core | ||
| PHYS 141 | Physics for Life Sciences I | 4-5 |
| or PHYS 151 | Elements of Physics | |
| or AGST 109 | Physical Principles in Agriculture and Life Sciences | |
| CHEM 110A & CHEM 110L | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry II Laboratory | 4 |
| Choose 4 credits from the following: | 4 | |
| Organic Chemistry I and Organic Chemistry I Laboratory | ||
| Calculus II | ||
| Physics for Life Sciences II | ||
| Plant Anatomy | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Soil Science
The Soil Science emphasis prepares students for careers as a soil scientist, agronomist, or crop advisor. These professionals may enjoy careers as a soil conservationist, in a soil testing laboratory, or consulting with farmers about soil management.
*PLAS 455 requires CHEM 110A & CHEM 110L and CHEM 221A & CHEM 221L or CHEM 251. NRES 451 requires SOIL 361. SOIL 361 requires a second semester of chemistry, either CHEM 106A & CHEM 106L or CHEM 110A & CHEM 110L and NRES 281.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Soil Science Emphasis Requirements | ||
| Choose 12 credits from the following: | 12 | |
| Soil Evaluation | ||
| Advanced Soil Evaluation (Soil Judging Team; can be taken multiple semesters.) | ||
| Urban Soil Properties and Management | ||
| Soil Chemistry and Mineralogy (*) | ||
| Soil Microbial Ecology | ||
| Applied Soil Physics | ||
| Great Plains Field Pedology | ||
| Independent Study (Soils) | ||
| Soils, Water, and Environmental Chemistry (*) | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Specialty Crop Production
For students completing the Horticulture option, the Specialty Crop Production emphasis provides advanced coursework with a focus on pest and fertility management in field and controlled environment specialty crop systems. This emphasis leads to careers in farm management, greenhouse and hydroponic production, seed and input sales, and crop consulting. Students completing this emphasis from outside of the Horticulture option will benefit from foundational knowledge in specialty crop propagation and production.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty Crop Production Emphasis Requirements | ||
| Plant Propagation | ||
| Choose 9 credits from: | 9 | |
| Management of Horticultural Crop Insects | ||
| Greenhouse Practices and Management | ||
| Hydroponics for Growing Populations (ACE 9, can count in CASNR Core and in the emphasis.) | ||
| Edible Landscapes (ACE 9, can count in CASNR Core and in the emphasis.) | ||
| Perennial, Pot and Bedding Plant Production Laboratory | ||
| Seasonal Plant Production | ||
| Cover Crops in Agroecosystems | ||
| Invasive Plants | ||
| Organic Farming and Food Systems | ||
| Specialty Crop Innovations | ||
| Cannabis Growth, Production and Breeding Basics | ||
| Vines, Wines and You | ||
| Intermediate Plant Pathology | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 9 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 9 | |
Turfgrass Science and Management
The Turfgrass Science and Management emphasis is targeted toward students who desire additional turfgrass science knowledge to support their professional goals. These goals could be to expand seed, chemical and fertilizer sales and management services to turfgrass systems.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Turfgrass Science and Management Emphasis Requirements | ||
| PLAS 227 | Introductory Turfgrass Management | 3 |
| PLAS 327 | Turfgrass Science and Management | 3 |
| PLAS 427 | Turfgrass Systems Management | 3 |
| Choose 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Study Tours in US Agriculture (turf tour) | ||
| Introductory Turfgrass Management Laboratory | ||
| Special Topics in Turfgrass Science and Management | ||
| Internship in Turfgrass Science and Management | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Urban Food Systems
The Urban Food Systems emphasis offers a multidisciplinary exploration of urban agriculture and local food systems. Courses in specialty crop production, urban soils, food science and nutrition, and entrepreneurship will prepare students to manage or consult with urban farms and food system stakeholders.
*SOIL 455 requires CHEM 110A& CHEM 110L and CHEM 221A & CHEM 221L or CHEM 251.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Food Systems Emphasis Requirements | ||
| Production | ||
| Choose at least 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Greenhouse Practices and Management | ||
| Hydroponics for Growing Populations (ACE 9, can count in CASNR Core and in the emphasis) | ||
| Organic Farming and Food Systems | ||
| Specialty Crop Innovations | ||
| Soils | ||
| Choose 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Urban Soil Properties and Management | ||
| Soil Chemistry and Mineralogy (*) | ||
| Food | ||
| Choose 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| The Science of Food | ||
| Human Nutrition and Metabolism | ||
| Food Safety and Sanitation | ||
| Marketing, Business, or Entrepreneurship | ||
| Choose 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Agribusiness Entrepreneurship in Food Products Marketing | ||
| Business Systems in Entrepreneurship | ||
| Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Water for Food
The Water for Food emphasis provides an opportunity for specialization in water quality and management leading to careers working in landscapes with high ground water vulnerability and in irrigated plant production systems.
*SOIL 361 requires a second semester of chemistry, either CHEM 106A & CHEM 106L or CHEM 110A & CHEM 110L. PLAS 452 and SOIL 354 require physics, AGST 109, PHYS 141, or PHYS 151.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Water for Food Emphasis Requirements | ||
| Choose 12 hours from the following: | 12 | |
| Water in Society (ACE 8) | ||
| Introduction to Water Science | ||
| Soils, Environment and Water Quality | ||
| Irrigation Systems Management | ||
| Soil Conservation and Watershed Management (*) | ||
| Water Quality Strategy | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Requirements for Minors Offered by Department
Agronomy Minor
A minor in agronomy consists of a minimum of 18 credit hours, including at least 6 hours at the 300 level or above. A total of no more than 3 hours of credit in PLAS 395A Internship in Agronomy , PLAS 496 Independent Study , or PLAS 498 Senior Project may be applied to the minor.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| PLAS 131 & PLAS 132 | Plant Science and Agronomic Plant Science Laboratory | 4 |
| or PLAS 278 | Botany | |
| PLAS 153 | Soil Resources | 4 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 8 | |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Select 3-4 hours from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Resource-Efficient Crop Management | ||
| Forage Crop and Pasture Management | ||
| Introduction to Grassland Ecology and Management | ||
| Principles of Soil Management | ||
| Botany 2 | ||
or PLAS 325 | Introductory Plant Physiology | |
| Select 6-7 credits, 6 credits of which must be at the 300-level or above. It is recommended, but not required, to select courses within one focus area. | 6-7 | |
| Agronomic Crop Production | ||
| Range Management and Improvement | ||
| Soil Nutrient Relationships | ||
| Crop Management Strategies | ||
| Cover Crops in Agroecosystems | ||
| Invasive Plants | ||
| Site-specific Crop Management | ||
| Plant Breeding and Genetics | ||
| Case studies in plant breeding: Breeding for Disease Resistance | ||
| Case Studies in plant breeding: Transgenic strategies for disease resistance | ||
| Crop Genetic Engineering | ||
| Crop and Weed Genetics | ||
| Bioinformatics Applications in Agriculture | ||
| Agroecology | ||
| Cover Crops in Agroecosystems | ||
| Agroecology | ||
| Great Plains Ecosystem | ||
| Ecosystem Monitoring and Assessment | ||
| Soil Science | ||
| Soils, Environment and Water Quality | ||
| Soil Nutrient Relationships | ||
| Soil Chemistry and Mineralogy | ||
| Soil Microbial Ecology | ||
| Applied Soil Physics | ||
| Great Plains Field Pedology | ||
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 10 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
Prerequisites: Junior standing in Plant Biology degree program
Required for graduation. Offered every Fall during the first 5 weeks. Pass/No Pass only.
Description: Development of an experiential portfolio and completion of an online survey as part of assessment activities.
| Credit Hours: | 0 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | |
| Max credits per degree: | |
| Grading Option: | Pass No Pass |
Credit Hours:0
ACE:
Prerequisites: First-semester first-year student (<26 credits); Plant and Landscape Systems or Agronomy major
Degree requirement for all first-year students in the Plant and Landscape Systems and Agronomy majors. Waived for those joining the majors with >26 credits.
Description: Introduction for Plant and Landscape System and Agronomy majors where group and individual activities help discover career opportunities, improve academic success skills, identify beneficial co-curricular activities, and select appropriate internships.
| Credit Hours: | 0 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | |
| Max credits per degree: | |
| Grading Option: | Pass No Pass |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:0
ACE:
Description: Introduction to a diverse range of plant and landscape systems and management strategies for balancing economic and environmental sustainability. Foundational principles of plant biology, landscape ecology, and environmental science explored within the context of these systems.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 4 Science |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 4 Science
Online only
Description: The flora of the earth is constantly being re-distributed by natural and human forces. As plant species change locations, they affect ecosystems, but how? In this course, students will learn how invasive plants establish and spread in ecosystems and develop an understanding of their impacts on ecosystems from local to global scales.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 9 Global/Diversity |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 9 Global/Diversity
Description: Introduction to careers, internships and co-curricular activities in turfgrass and landscape management.
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
Description: The biology of plants grown for food, feed, fuel, fiber and fun! Starting with natural and managed ecosystems and their interactions, the course then introduces how plants obtain and manage water and nutrients before giving a big picture view of carbon assimilation, metabolism and storage in terms of plant productivity and growth in variable environments. The way plants respond to endogenous and applied growth regulators as well as genetic signals is described, before considering the role of genetics in plant pest interactions and management.
This course is a prerequisite for: ENTO 308; NRES 220; NRES 302, PLAS 302; NRES 310; PLAS 132; PLAS 133; PLAS 134; PLAS 204; PLAS 221; PLAS 227; PLAS 240, RNGE 240, GRAS 240; PLAS 278; PLAS 325; PLAS 353; PLAS 355; PLPT 210
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $5 |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 4 Science |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 4 Science
Prerequisites: PLAS 131 or parallel
Description: Growth, development, morphology and staging of annual and perennial monocot and dicot plants produced for grain, forage and grazing. Evaluation of seed, grain and forage quality for plants of agronomic importance.
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $10 |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
Prerequisites: PLAS 131 or parallel
Description: Horticulture plant morphology, physiology, cell anatomy and plant growth are explored through application of practices used in industry. Emphasis on intensive production systems appropriate to specialty and greenhouse grown horticultural plants
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
Prerequisites: Prior or concurrent enrollment in PLAS 131 required.
Open to all majors and minors, except Agronomy or Horticulture.
Description: An exploration of plant morphology, physiology, and maturation with an emphasis on environmental, biotic, and human interactions within production and landscape systems. Not open to Agronomy or Horticulture majors or minors.
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
Description: Investigation into the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils, in relation to their appropriate uses, protection, and vital roles or functions in broader plant-soil systems. Apply exercises such as discussion, evidence-based writing, assessment, planning, problem-solving, and presentations in relation to principles and practices involving all aspects of soils.
This course is a prerequisite for: AGEN 431, PLAS 431, AGST 431; AGST 354, SOIL 354; LARC 487, NRES 487; NRES 245, PLAS 245; NRES 255, PLAS 255, SOIL 255; NRES 319; PLAS 204; PLAS 269, SOIL 269; PLAS 327; PLAS 361, GEOL 361, NRES 361, SOIL 361; PLAS 366, SOIL 366; PLAS 453, LARC 453, SOIL 453; PLAS 455, AGRO 855, NRES 455, NRES 855, SOIL 455; PLAS 472, AGRO 872, NRES 472, NRES 872, SOIL 472
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $15 |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Description: Values and processes in human landscapes and natural environments. Concepts and tools to understand the context of local and global environments and significant historical landscapes. Landscape as an indicator of aesthetic quality, design principles and processes as integrators of humans and nature, and the garden as a model for creating sustainable landscapes.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 9 Global/Diversity ACE 7 Arts |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 9 Global/Diversity ACE 7 Arts
Description: An introduction to the naming, identification, and natural history of woody trees and shrubs in North American with emphasis on trees common to Nebraska. Covers morphology, natural site conditions, wildlife and human uses of woody trees and shrubs.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $10 |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: The integration of crop and soil science, plant breeding, climatology and integrated pest management disciplines to develop and evaluate crop management strategies that make the most efficient use of natural resources such as solar radiation, water, and soil, as well as other external inputs utilized for field crop management.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Identification, basic management and design uses of trees and shrubs for sustainable landscapes, with an emphasis on native plants and plants adapted to the Plains states. Emphasis is on live specimens in outdoor environments, supported by online resources.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Characteristics of commercially available trees and shrubs used in urban landscapes. Compares differences among cultivars, design uses, and management issues using a combination of live specimens in outdoor environments and online resources.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Identification of herbaceous plants with ornamental value in the landscape including native and introduced annuals, perennials, grasses and cultivars. Typical ecological associations, environmental tolerances and/or intolerance, cultural requirements, and design characteristics.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: 3 hrs biological sciences.
Description: Discovery of the biology of genes and the application of genetics principles to understand the control and inheritance of traits in families and populations. Focus is on animals and plants that are important in medicine, agriculture and nature. Learning emphasis is problem solving via online, instant feedback assessments, group discussion, experimental data analysis and context-based exams.
This course is a prerequisite for: AGRO 815, PLAS 415; ASCI 330; ASCI 486; PLPT 418, PLPT 818, MBIO 418
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $20 |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Prerequisites: High school biology and chemistry.
Description: Plant breeding theory and technique. Application of genetic principles to plant improvement. Experience with breeding agronomic and horticultural plant species to illustrate plant mating systems and breeding principles.
| Credit Hours: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 2 |
| Max credits per degree: | 2 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:2
ACE:
Prerequisites: PLAS 131
Recommend PLAS 278 taken previously or concurrently
Description: Practice different methods of plant propagation and explore the effects of environmental management on propagation success using the scientific method.
This course is a prerequisite for: PLAS 356
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $35 |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Introduction to turfgrasses, their management and use, and to the turfgrass industry.
This course is a prerequisite for: PLAS 327
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Laboratory covering turfgrass identification and management.
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $40 |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
This course is intended for first or second year students.
Description: Learn introductory data science skills necessary to collect, manage, and analyze data. Gain the necessary skills to interpret and effectively communicate information derived from data.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Principles basic to the establishment, management, and utilization of forage crops and pastures. Plant identification and selection, seeding, fertilization, irrigation, forage quality and utilization, hay and silage preservation, and grazing management. The role of forages and ranges in developing a sustainable agriculture.
This course is a prerequisite for: PLAS 340, RNGE 340, GRAS 340; PLAS 445, AGRO 845, ASCI 451, ASCI 851, RNGE 445, GRAS 445
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Permission.
PLAS/RNGE 240 recommended.
Description: Identification and description of two-hundred important wildland plants of North America. Characteristics of these plants evaluated in terms of management implications.
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
Prerequisites: PLAS 153
Description: Grassland ecology and management is relevant to students with education and career goals in managing natural resources in Nebraska and the Great Plains. About 50% of the land area in Nebraska is classified as grassland (or rangeland) and is the land type with the most opportunity for enhancing biodiversity and wildlife habitat. Applying ecological principles and social values to managing rangeland resources, students will develop a knowledge and appreciation for the various grassland management uses and techniques available to resource managers.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: SOIL 153
Description: Develop a life-long interest in observing and studying soil health and ecosystems. Provide the necessary academic skills to incorporate soil health principles into real-world applications, including natural resource conservation, evaluation of regenerative practices, and promotion of environmental sustainability. Prepare professionals and advocates of soil ecosystems.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Principles, interpretation, and emotional responses of floral design. Explored and practical experience in all aspects of flower arranging. Includes floral product identification, care, handling, marketing and critiquing of floral designs.
This course is a prerequisite for: PLAS 262
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $125 |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 7 Arts |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 7 Arts
Prerequisites: PLAS 261
Description: Advanced styles of floral design, foliage plant care and retail shop layout, as well as practical business knowledge in managing a small business. Topics include personnel, advertising, sales and floral marketing.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $125 |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Introduction to graphic and oral presentation and communication techniques for landscape design, based on design principles and elements. Includes demonstration and discussion of various media and technologies.
This course is a prerequisite for: PLAS 267
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $10 |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
Individual and team projects, in-class exercises and presentations, and site visits to urban landscapes will be a part of the course experience.
Description: Process and elements used to design sustainable residential and small urban landscapes.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
| Groups: | Techniques |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: PLAS 153
Description: Current state-of-knowledge of soil and water management; impacts of water and wind erosion on soil productivity, and nutrient dynamics; soil management in response to the increased climate variability; improved management practices such as conservation tillage (i.e., no-till), cropping systems, cover crops, crop residue management, perennial systems, water management and irrigation; nutrient cycling; and soil quality and health.
This course is a prerequisite for: PLAS 405
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: 3 hrs biological sciences.
Description: Impact of exotic species and invasive organisms: agricultural and medical emerging disease; predicting biological invasions; biological control; regulatory, monitoring, and control efforts; ecological impact.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Overview of financial issues for agribusiness start-ups. Business funding specific to new enterprises. Case studies on financial practices for start-up firms.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Introduction to the plant kingdom and to plants as biological organisms; structure and function of cells, tissues, and organs with emphasis on seed plants; the important processes and concepts of life cycles, evolution, and physiology.
This course is a prerequisite for: PLAS 227
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $40 |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
PLAS/SOIL 153 recommended, but not required. This course includes an inter-collegiate Soil Judging contest that takes place in the North Central region of the United States during the course of the class, or a course-based undergraduate research experience.
Description: Apply fundamental knowledge to the description of soils in the field. Application of techniques employed in writing descriptions of soil morphology and in classifying and interpreting soils.
| Credit Hours: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 2 |
| Max credits per degree: | 2 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $40 |
| Experiential Learning: | Fieldwork |
Credit Hours:2
ACE:
Prerequisites: Permission.
Requires advanced permission before registering for the course.
Description: Topics vary.
| Credit Hours: | 1-6 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 6 |
| Max credits per degree: | 12 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
Credit Hours:1-6
ACE:
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and completion of an internship contract. The internship contract is subject to approval by the department. Internships completed without a signed contract may not qualify for credit.
Pass/No Pass only; requires advanced permission before registering for the course.
Description: Professional experience in a plant, landscape or soil interest area. Experience may be with a business, government agency, organization, or a university research, extension, or teaching program.
| Credit Hours: | 1-3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Grading Option: | Pass No Pass |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
| Experiential Learning: | Internship/Co-op |
Credit Hours:1-3
ACE:
Prerequisites: PLAS 267 or concurrent
Description: Materials, systems, and methods for constructing sustainable residential and small urban landscapes. Includes site grading, hardscapes, irrigation, lighting, ponds and water features, using a combination of guest speakers, site visits and online resources.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $15 |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Offered Spring of even years and alternate with PLAS 300.
Description: Overview of the landscape contracting business and administration of contracts, cost estimation and bidding.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | SPRING |
| Groups: | Techniques |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: The study of the structure and function of woody plants, with a focus on trees growing in temperate climates. Covers the basics of wood physiology in terms of the biological, physical, and chemical processes utilized by tree to function. The anatomy and morphology of trees with a focus on the impacts of tree maintenance to the structure and function of landscape trees.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Principles and practices involved in the development, operation and use of greenhouses and other protected plant growth environments.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Globally diverse peoples are explored through culture, diets, food production systems, and environment with emphasis on the application of hydroponic plant production systems to address food needs that are culturally conscious. Hydroponic methodologies are investigated and prototypes are designed, built, and tested for proof of concept.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 9 Global/Diversity |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 9 Global/Diversity
Prerequisites: Junior Standing or permission
Description: Identification, environmental requirements, and sustainable care and management of herbaceous perennial and woody plants with both edible and aesthetic landscape value. Historical and human cultural ties or ethnobotanical traditions associated with the plants will be utilized for appropriate plant selection and use.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 9 Global/Diversity |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 9 Global/Diversity
Prerequisites: Junior standing
Description: Covers practical application of the science of tree growth, development, and management in human dominated landscapes. Tree selection for varying landscapes and objectives, proper planting and pruning, identification and correction of tree defects, and working with tree pest issues.
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
| Groups: | Laboratory and Field Training |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $65 |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Description: Introduction to physiological and developmental processes in plants. Topics include plant-water relations, photosynthesis, carbon metabolism and source-sink translocation, light responses, hormonal regulation during growth, development and environmental stresses such as drought, heat, salinity, flooding stress among others. Emphasizes the development of a broader knowledge of how crops respond to abiotic factors associated with changing climate through conceptual integration of physiological and molecular processes. Science communication skills and teamwork experience are developed through oral presentations and poster sessions.
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
The course will include site visits, guest speakers and collaborations.
Description: Use a problem-solving approach to identify and analyze landscape management situations in commercial, public, and residential landscapes. Focus will be on environmental assessment, human intent and function, seasonal and materials-specific best management practices applied to plants, hardscapes, pests and diseases to produce recommendations.
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Description: Scientific principles of turf species adaptation, turf and/or soil relationships, establishment, fertility, mowing, irrigation, and pest control of turf species.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Why, when and how to prune ornamental landscape plants. Demonstrations and field opportunities on how to choose and how to use pruning tools correctly.
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
Description: The principles of range management within the ecosystem framework. Range improvement practices and grazing systems; plant control using biological, chemical and mechanical factors; prescribed burning; range seeding; range fertilization; and the integration of range with other forage resources.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: PLAS 131
Description: Vegetable crop production principles and practices, both locally and from a global perspective. Experience with seeding, transplant production, and growing of vegetables in field and greenhouse.
| Credit Hours: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 2 |
| Max credits per degree: | 2 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $40 |
Credit Hours:2
ACE:
Prerequisites: PLAS 131
Description: Growing conditions of specific perennial, annual, pot plants, cut flowers. How to schedule and cost account plant production. Care of post-production plants. Experience propagating and growing perennial, pot and bedding plants and cut flowers in the greenhouse.
| Credit Hours: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 2 |
| Max credits per degree: | 2 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $30 |
Credit Hours:2
ACE:
Description: Methodology of plant production for seasonal ornamental and vegetable plants to meet the needs of the consumer horticulture industry. Supply procurement, product selection, asexual & seed propagation, young plant liners, plant culture & manipulation to meet qualities and market demand are explored. Crops are grown and marketed.
| Credit Hours: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 2 |
| Max credits per degree: | 2 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | SPRING |
Credit Hours:2
ACE:
Prerequisites: PLAS/SOIL 153; MATH 102 or 103; two semesters chemistry (CHEM 105A and 105L, CHEM 106A and 106L, CHEM 109A and 109L, CHEM 110A and 110L) and WATS/GEOG/NRES 281
Description: Chemical and physical processes that influence the fate and transport of contaminants (inorganic, organic, microbial) in soil-water environments. Extent, fate, mitigation and impact of various sources of pollution. Remedial technologies used for environmental restoration of contaminated environments.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: PLAS 153
Description: Explores nutrient behaviors in soil and factors affecting nutrient management. Students work on developing fertilizer plans for complex plant production systems that follow the right place, right amount, right source, right time philosophy and ensure production of healthy and nutritious plants, improve profits and enterprise sustainability, fulfill legal requirements, and protect soil and water quality.
This course is a prerequisite for: PLAS 405
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Prerequisites: Junior or Senior class standing.
Description: Explore sustainability challenges in plant and animal agricultural systems, assess current solutions, and identify opportunities for innovation. Research, develop, prototype, test, and pitch an innovative product, service, or technology for agriculture.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: PLAS/NRES/SOIL 279
This course includes a national- or regional-level inter-collegiate Soil Judging contest that takes place during the course of the class.
Description: Apply fundamental knowledge and improve field techniques to the description and interpretation of soils in the field. Application of techniques employed in writing descriptions of soil morphology and in classifying and interpreting soils.
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 7 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $150 |
| Experiential Learning: | Fieldwork |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
Description: Introductory models for a startup business. Ideation, customer segments, value proposition, minimal viable product and market fit.
This course is a prerequisite for: PLAS 301
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Permission.
Requires advanced permission before registering for the course.
Description: Topics vary.
| Credit Hours: | 1-6 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 6 |
| Max credits per degree: | 12 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
Credit Hours:1-6
ACE:
Prerequisites: Permission.
Requires advanced permission before registering for the course.
Description: Topics vary.
| Credit Hours: | 1-6 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 6 |
| Max credits per degree: | 12 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
Credit Hours:1-6
ACE:
Prerequisites: Permission.
Requires advanced permission before registering for the course
Description: Topics vary.
| Credit Hours: | 1-6 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 6 |
| Max credits per degree: | 12 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
Credit Hours:1-6
ACE:
Prerequisites: Permission
Requires advanced permission before registering for the course
Description: Topics vary.
| Credit Hours: | 1-6 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 6 |
| Max credits per degree: | 12 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
Credit Hours:1-6
ACE:
Prerequisites: Junior standing or higher. Permission.
A contract with the instructor is required before the start of the internship for course credit. Two or more courses in Agronomy above the 200 level are strongly recommended.
Description: Advanced internship in an agronomic enterprise. Must be a business, government agency, organization, or university research, teaching, or extension program in which the student does not have previous internship credit.
| Credit Hours: | 1-3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Grading Option: | Pass No Pass |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
| Experiential Learning: | Internship/Co-op |
Credit Hours:1-3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Junior standing or higher. Permission.
A contract with the instructor is required before the start of the internship for course credit. Two or more courses in Horticulture above the 200 level are strongly recommended.
Description: Advanced internship experience in a horticulture enterprise. Must be a business, government agency, organization or university research, teaching, or extension program in which the student does not have previous internship credit.
| Credit Hours: | 1-3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Grading Option: | Pass No Pass |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
| Experiential Learning: | Internship/Co-op |
Credit Hours:1-3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Junior standing or higher. Permission.
A contract with the instructor is required before the start of the internship for course credit. Two or more courses in Landscape Design and Management above the 200 level are strongly recommended.
Description: Advanced professional experience in a landscape design and/or management enterprise. Experience must be with a business, government agency, organization, or a university research, extension, or teaching program in which the student does not have previous internship credit.
| Credit Hours: | 1-3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Grading Option: | Pass No Pass |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
| Experiential Learning: | Internship/Co-op |
Credit Hours:1-3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Junior standing or higher. Permission.
Pass/No Pass only; requires advanced permission before registering for the course.
Description: Advanced internship in a turfgrass science and management enterprise. Must be a business, government agency, organization, university research, teaching, or extension program in which the student does not have previous internship credit.
| Credit Hours: | 1-3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Grading Option: | Pass No Pass |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
| Experiential Learning: | Internship/Co-op |
Credit Hours:1-3
ACE:
Description: Scientific and research training and necessary soft skills for researchers, using grasslands as a study system. Provides individualized opportunities for engagement with scientific methods, which include experiential learning, acquisition and refinement of skills that enhance higher-learning opportunities, and increased marketability for future employment or postgraduate degrees.
| Credit Hours: | 1-3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 5 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | FALL |
| Experiential Learning: | Case Work, Project-Based Learning, Research |
Credit Hours:1-3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Junior standing; 12 hrs plant science; and permission.
Requires advance approval of plan of work and is to be under the supervision and evaluation of a Horticulture departmental faculty member. Oral and written reports are mandatory at the completion of this Independent Study.
Description: Individual or group projects in research, literature review, or extension of course work.
| Credit Hours: | 1-5 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 5 |
| Max credits per degree: | 12 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1-5
ACE:
Prerequisites: Senior standing or higher, an ACE 1 written communication course, an ACE 2 oral communication course, and permission of instructor.
Description: Reading and critiquing, writing, and presenting scientific information. Use research data to compose a manuscript in standard scientific format, and prepare and present a poster to a general audience. Ethical issues in research and writing.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 10 Integrated Product |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 10 Integrated Product
Description: Application, expansion, and integration of principles from agricultural, economic and social sciences into systems-level the development and management of cropping systems.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $60 |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 10 Integrated Product |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 10 Integrated Product
Prerequisites: Junior standing; 4 hrs ecology; and 4 hrs botany or plant physiology.
Description: Principles of plant physiology which underlie the relationship between plants and their physical, chemical and biotic environments. An introduction to the ecological niche, limiting factors and adaptation. An overview of the seed germination and ecology, plant and soil water relations, nutrients, plant energy budgets, photosynthesis, carbon balance and plant-animal interactions. An introduction to various field equipment used in ecophysiological studies.
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Prerequisites: Junior standing; MATH 106; 4 hrs physics; physical or biological science major.
Description: Discussion and practical application of principles and practices of measuring meteorological and related variables near the earth's surface including temperature, humidity, precipitation, pressure, radiation and wind. Performance characteristics of sensors and modern data collection methods are discussed and evaluated.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Junior standing, MATH 106 or equivalent, 5 hrs physics, major in any of the physical or biological sciences or engineering.
Description: Physical factors that create the biological environment. Radiation and energy balances of earth's surfaces, terrestrial and marine. Temperature, humidity, and wind regimes near the surface. Control of the physical environment through irrigation, windbreaks, frost protection, manipulation of light, and radiation. Applications to air pollution research. Instruments for measuring environmental conditions and remote sensing of the environment.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
A previous class in genetics is highly recommended.
Description: The application of fundamental genetics principles in inheritance, gene mapping and DNA analysis to decision making by plant breeders with the goal of improving disease resistance in crop cultivars. Learning is structured by the genetics discovery story told in published research articles and the thinking process of plant breeders who will use these discoveries in their work.
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
Description: The application of basic science and technology by plant genetic engineering experts with the goal of teaming with plant breeders to improve disease resistance in crop cultivars. Learning is structured by the genetics discovery story told in published research articles and the thinking process of genetic engineers and plant breeders who will use these discoveries in their work.
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
A previous class in genetics is highly recommended.
Description: Basic steps required to produce genetically engineered crops, genetic engineering procedures used to develop current crops and innovations that will lead to future products, genetic engineering process and predicting how changes in different steps of the process influence the final crop, and application of genetic engineering technology to plan the development of new genetically engineered crops.
| Credit Hours: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 2 |
| Max credits per degree: | 2 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:2
ACE:
A previous class in Genetics is highly recommended.
Description: Application of classical and molecular genetic principles to the explanation of variation observed in plant families and populations. Interpretation of information gathered from whole plant trait observation and from molecular analysis. Relationships between crops and weeds. Examples from genetic studies on both crop and weed species are the basis of course.
| Credit Hours: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 2 |
| Max credits per degree: | 2 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
Credit Hours:2
ACE:
Prerequisites: BIOS/PLPT 369 or one semester of introductory plant pathology.
Description: Pathogens, epidemiology, and control of diseases specific to turfgrass.
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
For AGRO 815, a previous genetics course is highly recommended.
Description: The goals for plant improvement, the theories plant breeders apply to make genetic improvement and the tools and methods that can be used to develop a plant breeding pipeline.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $40 |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: 12 hours biological or agricultural sciences.
Description: The roles of woody plants in sustainable agricultural systems of temperate regions. Emphasis on the ecological and economic benefits of trees and shrubs in the agricultural landscape. Topics include: habitat diversity and biological control; shelterbelts structure, function, benefits and design; intercropping systems; silvopastoral systems; riparian systems; and production of timber and specialty crops. Comparison of temperate agroforestry systems to those of tropical areas.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Junior standing
Description: Introduction to the basic methods and practical applications of remote sensing to map, monitor and assess agricultural and natural resources and other environmental changes
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $35 |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Prerequisites: PLAS 215 or equivalent. Undergraduate students must be at the senior class level standing.
Description: Introduction to applied computational methods to analyze biological data, efficiently manipulate large data sets, and automate workflows. Learn strategies for assembling and analyzing data generated by modern high throughput sequencing platforms.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Explore the management, environmental, economic, and social considerations of cover crops across a diversity of agricultural production systems and regions. Grow cover crops, measure benefits and tradeoffs, and apply knowledge to make management and policy recommendations.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Identification, biology and ecology of weedy and invasive plants. Principles of invasive plant management by preventative, cultural, biological, mechanical and chemical means using an adaptive management framework. Herbicide terminology and classification, plant-herbicide and soil-herbicide interactions, equipment calibration and dosage calculations.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Critical evaluation of turfgrass settings to create economical and environmentally friendly management systems for professionally managed turf areas.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $50 |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 10 Integrated Product |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 10 Integrated Product
Prerequisites: Faculty Permission
Description: Application of plant biotechnology to answer biological questions. Development of writing and thinking skills with a working knowledge of plant biology and biotechnology. Learning in a lab focused setting to solidify skills used in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and computational biology.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | SPRING |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $40 |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Junior standing
Description: Overview of the technical and sociocultural dimensions of global food insecurity.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Presents a broad view of the various challenges to plant health including abiotic and biotic disease, insects, and weeds. Learn a systematic approach to the diagnosis of plant disorders through hands-on exercises and case studies with application to agronomic and specialty crops and gain experience in presenting their findings to various audiences.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Principles and concepts of site-specific management. Evaluation of geographic information systems for crop production practices. Practical experience with hardware and software necessary for successful application of information affecting crop management.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
This is a Great Plains IDEA course. Restricted to upper level undergraduate, graduate, or matriculated continuing education students.
Description: Permaculture means "permanent culture," and ..."is the conscious design and maintenance of cultivated ecosystems that have the diversity, stability, and resilience of a natural ecosystem." [Bill Mollison] This course will explore a design/thinking methodology that seeks to provide our essential physical needs, food, water, shelter, energy, etc., while doing so in an environmentally friendly, sustainable manner.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: BIOC/BIOS/CHEM 431/831.
Description: Biochemical metabolism unique to plants. Relationships of topics previously acquired in general biochemistry to biochemical processes unique to plants. Biochemical mechanisms behind physiological processes discussed in plant or crop physiology.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: For PLAS/NRES 435: Senior standing. For AGRO/NRES 835: 12 hrs biological or agricultural sciences.
Description: Integration of principles of ecology, plant and animal sciences, crop protection, and rural landscape planning and management for sustainable agriculture. Includes natural and cultivated ecosystems, population and community ecology, nutrient cycling, pest management, hydrologic cycles, cropping and grazing systems, landscape ecology, biodiversity, and socioeconomic evaluation of systems.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 10 Integrated Product |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 10 Integrated Product
Prerequisites: Senior standing.
Cost of travel required. Summer travel course with multi-state faculty. Farm visits to Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska.
Description: Analysis of production, economics, environmental impacts, and social integration aspects of farms and farming systems
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: CHEM 105A and CHEM 105L or CHEM 109A and 109L, and one of the following: PLAS 204 or ASCI 250.
Description: Identification and comparison of grain quality characteristics desired by livestock feeders, human food processors and industrial users, and methods used to measure these characteristics.
| Credit Hours: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 2 |
| Max credits per degree: | 2 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:2
ACE:
Description: Genetic development, production practices, and grain handling and storage procedures to deliver quality grain to livestock feeders, human food processors and industrial uses.
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
Prerequisites: 12 credits of agricultural or biological science, economics, or natural resources
Description: History of organic farming and horticultural systems, organic certification, nutrient and pest management in organic systems, planning organic enterprises including production and marketing, resilience of organic systems in ecological, economic, and social terms; future issues and potentials of organic food systems.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Junior standing.
Description: Characteristics of Great Plains ecosystems, interrelationships of ecological factors and processes, and their application in the management of grasslands. Interactions of fire, vegetation, grazing animals and wildlife.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: PLAS 325 or equivalent.
Description: Principles of crop physiology and developmental morphology in relation to function, growth, development, and survival of perennial forage, range, and turf plants. The relationship of physiology and morphological development on plant use and management.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Junior standing.
Description: Wildland plants that are important to grassland and shrubland ecosystem management and production. Distribution, utilization, classification, identification (including identification by vegetative parts), uses by Native Americans, and recognition of grasses, forbs, shrubs, exotic and wetland plants.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Junior standing.
NRES 220 or equivalent, recommended.
Description: Measurement and monitoring of the important vegetation and environmental factors used to develop management guidelines in grasslands, savannas, woodlands, and wetlands. Emphasis on using ecosystem monitoring protocols for assessment of wildlife habitat, fuels management for wild-land fire, livestock production, and watershed function. Requires field sampling and travel to local field sites.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
AECN 201 recommended. Capstone course. All students required to participate in a one-week field trip in central or western Nebraska prior to beginning of fall semester. Therefore, students must notify instructor at time of early registration (Dates are given in class schedule.)
Description: Analyzing the plant and animal resources and economic aspects of pasturage. Management of pasture and range for continued high production emphasized.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $300 |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 10 Integrated Product |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 10 Integrated Product
Prerequisites: Junior standing or above.
Offered spring semester of even-numbered calendar years.
Description: Impact of climate and extreme climatic events on society and societal responses to those events. Global in scope and interdisciplinary.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
PLAS/SOIL 153 recommended.
Description: Irrigation management and the selection, evaluation, and improvement of irrigation systems. Includes soil-water measurement, crop water use, irrigation scheduling, irrigation efficiency, measurement of water flow, irrigation systems, groundwater and wells, pumping systems, applying chemicals with irrigation systems, and environmental and water resource considerations.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: PLAS/SOIL 153
Description: Characteristics of soils in urban settings. Evaluation of soils intended for intensive human uses and strategies for their use. Identification of specific issues related to urban soils. Manipulation or remediation of soils subject to construction and other stresses.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Learn state-of-the-art, scale-appropriate methods for growing and marketing specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers in field and high-tunnel production systems. Test innovative products and systems of your own design to gain a competitive advantage in local markets.
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | SPRING |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Prerequisites: PLAS/SOIL 153 or GEOL 101; CHEM 109A/L and CHEM 110A/L; CHEM 221 or CHEM 221A & CHEM 221L or 251.
Description: Chemical and mineralogical properties of soil components. Inorganic colloidal fraction. Structures of soil minerals as a means of understanding properties, such as ion exchange and equilibria; release and supply of nutrient and toxic materials; and soil acidity and alkalinity. Forms and functions of organic matter in soil.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, Graduate student or permission
Description: A focus on the management of trees, parks, and green infrastructure in rural and urban communities. Perspectives from community planning, landscape architecture, urban forestry, natural resources, horticulture, and environmental policy. Development and implementation of green space and forest management plans encompassing societal needs and biological limitations in rural and urban communities.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 10 Integrated Product |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 10 Integrated Product
Description: Survey of measurement techniques and principles used in characterizing the physical properties of soils. Includes analysis of experimental design and sources of experimental error. Techniques include: particle size analysis, soil water content, pore size analysis, field sampling techniques, soil strength, and saturated hydraulic conductivity.
| Credit Hours: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 2 |
| Max credits per degree: | 2 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:2
ACE:
Prerequisites: Senior standing.
Recommend having a strong science background, including courses from the agronomic, environmental, microbiology, engineering or medicine disciplines.
Description: Soil from a microbe's perspective-growth, activity and survival strategies; principles governing methods to study microorganisms and biochemical processes in soil; mechanisms controlling organic matter cycling and stabilization with reference to C, N, S, and P; microbial interactions with plants and animals; and agronomic and environmental applications of soil microorganisms.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Principles of soil physics. Movement of water, air, heat, and solutes in soils. Water retention and movement, including infiltration and field water regime. Movement of chemicals in soils.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
PLAS 221 recommended
Description: History, breeding and production of cannabis for medicinal marijuana and hemp for fiber use when grown using a growth room, greenhouse, high tunnel and/or field. Clarification between scientific evidence and casual information.
| Credit Hours: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 2 |
| Max credits per degree: | 2 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
Credit Hours:2
ACE:
Description: Processes, principles, and elements using plant materials as a key component of landscapes designed for human intent. Focus is on a systems approach, combining environmental attributes with functional needs to create aesthetic, functional, and sustainable landscapes for parks, commercial property, and residences using a combination of site visits and online resources.
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $25 |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Prerequisites: Permission
Description: Integration of ecological and environmental assessment, design process and management considerations to create detailed landscape plans for public, private, and commercial clients. Includes dream landscape project. Individuals and collaborative teams will develop concepts and details, conduct client meetings and studio critiques, and communicate graphically and verbally through presentations.
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $25 |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 10 Integrated Product |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:ACE 10 Integrated Product
Prerequisites: PLAS 228
Description: Use processes and strategies to develop complete landscape management plans for public and/or private clients. Use data to evaluate and compare issues; make practical, science-based recommendations; and prepare cost estimates. Develop and present a complete landscape management plan for a public client.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $25 |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 10 Integrated Product |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 10 Integrated Product
Prerequisites: 6 hrs science or equivalent experience; 21 years of age or older
Proof of age is required.
Description: Origin, botany, historical and cultural significance of the grapevine and related species. Principles and practices of vineyard establishment, management and processing of grape products, importance and/or scope of grape and wine industry; global and local significance. Culinary applications, health, environmental and safety-related issues, business and industry relations and experience.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $95 |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Description: Emphasis on applied soil physics. Discussion of theoretical principles followed by field and laboratory exercises and applications. Fluxes of water, solutes, air, and heat through the soil. Emphasis on water infiltration, water retention, other soil hydraulic properties. Components of soil water balance. Management of soil water.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Senior standing.
Capstone course.
Description: Holistic approach to the selection and analysis of planning strategies for protecting water quality from nonpoint sources of contamination. Introduction to the use of methods of analyzing the impact of strategies on whole systems and subsystems; for selecting strategies; and for evaluating present strategies.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 10 Integrated Product |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 10 Integrated Product
Prerequisites: PLAS/SOIL 153.
Description: Spatial relationship of soil properties on various parts of landscape typical of the Plains, causal factors, and predictions of such relationships on other landscapes. Grouping these properties into classes, naming the classes, and the taxonomy that results from this grouping. Application of a taxonomy to a real situation through making a field soil survey in a region representative of the Plains border, predicting land use response of various mapped units as it affects the ecosystem, and evaluating the effectiveness of the taxonomic system used in the region surveyed.
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $80 |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Prerequisites: 8 hrs biological sciences
Description: Development, structure, and function of tissues and organs of the higher plants. Relationships of structure to physiology and ecology of plants.
| Credit Hours: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 4 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:4
ACE:
Description: Modified root zones and their applications in the turfgrass and landscape management industry. Correct applications and construction techniques.
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | SPRING |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
Prerequisites: Junior or above standing
Description: Seminar on current water resources research and issues in Nebraska and the region.
| Credit Hours: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 1 |
| Max credits per degree: | 1 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1
ACE:
Description: The process of starting your own enterprise. Competitive environment, risk management, finance for business startups, funding, and business plan writing.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Offered: | FALL/SPR |
| ACE Outcomes: | ACE 10 Integrated Product |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:ACE 10 Integrated Product
Prerequisites: Senior standing or graduate standing.
Description: Development converts rural landscapes into housing, roads, malls, parks, and commercial uses. This process fragments landscapes and changes ecosystem functions, drives up land prices, and pushes agriculture into more marginal areas.This multi-disciplinary, experiential course guides students in learning about the urbanization process, the impacts on landscapes, people, and the community, and the choices that are available to informed citizens.
| Credit Hours: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Junior standing.
Description: Topic varies and deals with different aspects of forage and/or range and/or livestock, turf and/or landscape grasses, natural habitats, and wetlands.
| Credit Hours: | 1-2 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 2 |
| Max credits per degree: | 4 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1-2
ACE:
| Credit Hours: | 1-6 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 6 |
| Max credits per degree: | 12 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
| Course and Laboratory Fee: | $50 |
Credit Hours:1-6
ACE:
Prerequisites: Senior standing.
A two-semester sequence. Students should select one credit hour the first semester and three credits the second semester. The first semester will be used for planning, topic selection, and identifying a project adviser. The second semester will be used to carry out the research project, prepare a written report, and possibly an oral presentation.
Description: Carry out and report on a research project.
| Credit Hours: | 1-3 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 3 |
| Max credits per degree: | 3 |
| Grading Option: | Graded with Option |
Credit Hours:1-3
ACE:
Prerequisites: Admission to the University Honors Program and permission.
AGRI 299H recommended.
Description: Conduct a scholarly research project and write a University Honors Program or undergraduate thesis.
| Credit Hours: | 3-6 |
|---|---|
| Max credits per semester: | 6 |
| Max credits per degree: | 6 |
| Grading Option: | Graded |
Credit Hours:3-6
ACE:
PLEASE NOTE
This document represents a sample 4-year plan for degree completion with this major. Actual course selection and sequence may vary and should be discussed individually with your college or department academic advisor. Advisors also can help you plan other experiences to enrich your undergraduate education such as internships, education abroad, undergraduate research, learning communities, and service learning and community-based learning.
Critical- Performance Measure: 2.00 GPA required for graduation.
- ***Total Credits Applying Toward 120 Total Hours***
Career Information
The following represents a sample of the internships, jobs and graduate school programs that current students and recent graduates have reported.
Jobs of Recent Graduates
- Crop Consultant, Central Valley Ag - Oakland, NE
- Agronomist, Stuart Fertilizer - Stuart, NE
- Sales Agronomist, Vrbka Ag Solutions - Shelby, NE
- Chemical Representative, Dow AgroSciences - Sioux Falls, SD
- Agronomy Sales Representative, CHS Inc. - Dixon, NE
- Fertilizer Sales and Production, Ag Elements - Lubbock, TX
- District Sales Manager, AgReliant - Lincoln, NE
- Farmer, Benes Service - Valparaiso, NE
- Soil Conservationist, NRCS - Grant, NE
- Research Technician, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln, NE
Internships
- Crop Consultant, KC Consulting - Enola, NE
- Marketing Intern, Helena Chemical - Lincoln, NE
- Crop Scouting, Scientific Crop Advisory - Geneva, NE
- Marketing/Sales Intern, WinField Solutions - Kearney, NE
- Hybrid Researcher, Hahn Farms - DeWitt, NE
- Research/Sales Intern, Channel Seeds - Scottsbluff, NE
- Greenhouse Technician, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln, NE
- Technical Service Intern, BASF - Beaver Crossing, NE
- Precision Ag Technologists, Gage County Equipment - Beatrice, NE
- Corn Production Internship, Syngenta - Phillips, NE
Graduate & Professional Schools
- Ph.D., Genetics, Kansas State University - Manhattan, KS
- Ph.D., Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln, NE
- Master's of Plant Breeding, Iowa State University - Ames, IA
- Master's of Science in Plant Science, Montana State University - Bozeman, MT
- Ph.D., Animal Science, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater, OK